In a significant corruption case, four officers from Certis Group and a Singaporean man have been charged with various offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Official Secrets Act. The charges were announced on 8 August 2024, highlighting serious allegations against contract employees of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.
Details of the Allegations
The officers—Sri Daniah Abdul Razak, Muhammad Haaziq Karudin, Muhammad Khairul Amir Suhaimi, and Mohamad Aziffi Selamat—are accused of accepting bribes from a man named Muhammad Sukaimi Gasali. Allegedly, Sukaimi paid the officers a total of S$7,661 (approximately US$5,900) between June 2021 and July 2023 to avoid enforcement actions at Jurong Port.
Key Charges Against the Individuals
- Muhammad Sukaimi Gasali (34 years old): Faces six charges for corruption, four charges under the Official Secrets Act, and additional charges related to dealing with uncustomed goods.
- Sri Daniah Abdul Razak (26 years old): Charged with two counts of corruption and offences under the Official Secrets Act.
- Muhammad Haaziq Karudin (33 years old): One count of corruption and one count under the Official Secrets Act.
- Muhammad Khairul Amir Suhaimi (25 years old): Similar charges for corruption and an offence under the Official Secrets Act.
- Mohamad Aziffi Selamat (32 years old): Faces two charges for corruption and one under the Official Secrets Act.
Criminal Activities Involved
In addition to bribery, Sukaimi and Daniah are implicated in a scheme involving the importation of uncustomed cigarettes. Authorities discovered 16 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes at Sukaimi’s residence and nine more at Daniah’s, leading to substantial claims of evaded tax amounting to around S$10,914.
Legal Repercussions
Each individual faces significant penalties if convicted:
- Corruption convictions could lead to fines of up to S$100,000 or five years in prison, or both.
- Under the Official Secrets Act, offenders may incur fines of up to S$2,000 or face two years’ imprisonment.
- Dealing with duty-unpaid goods could incur fines up to 40 times the evaded duty and GST, alongside potential six-year prison sentences.
The next court hearings for Sukaimi, Daniah, and Haaziq are set for 5 September 2024, while Aziffi and Khairul are expected to plead guilty on 19 September 2024.